De La Salle's Jones commits to Ohio State

St. Rita's Vic Law, left, swats the ball from De La Salle's Jamarco Jones (54) during a basketball game last January. Jones will play football at Ohio State. (John J. Kim / Chicago Tribune)

De La Salle senior offensive tackle Jamarco Jones ended his recruiting process Thursday when he orally committed to play for Ohio State during a news conference at the high school.

"It just felt right. I feel like they can give me everything I need," the 6-foot-5, 295-pound Jones said. "They can push me to become a better player and person."

De La Salle coach Dan O'Keefe cut short his vacation in Wisconsin for the announcement.

"I wouldn't have missed this for the world," O'Keefe said. "Jamarco is just mature beyond his years. He's always working hard to either improve his game or he has his nose in a book. He's a highly intelligent young man and handles himself with great poise and maturity.

"Ohio State is getting a tremendous young man and we couldn't be happier for Jamarco and his family today."

O'Keefe also sees Jones developing even further at the college level.

"Jamarco has a big frame and size, but you can also see that he will get even bigger and stronger at the next level," O'Keefe said. "He already has all of the attributes and now you can see him really starting to come into his own on the field. It's going to be exciting for everyone here at De La Salle to see his progress at Ohio State."

Jones, who had close to 30 offers, chose Ohio State over Michigan and Michigan State.